Directory nameplate construction

ABSTRACT

A nameplate for a directory comprising a strip and blank in which the strip is comprised of a thin, flexible, resilient, deformable material having rounded ends forming lobes, and the blank being a plastic engravable blank being secured to the strip; the nameplate is flexible to be bent in a slight curvature and is resilient to return to that shape when flattened; the nameplate is deformed and/or positioned to cause only the strip of the nameplate to fit into and engage folded-over edge portions of a holder.

United States Patent [1 1 Aybar [451 Oct. 1, 1974 [54] DIRECTORYNAMEPLATE 2,903,808 9/1959 Anderson 40/64 R CONSTRUCTION 3,460,2818/1969 Levy 40/63 R [76] Inventor: wgfi t gzg b'igi Primary Examiner-J.H. Wolfi I Attorney, Agent, or FirmOstrolenk, Faber, Gerb & [22] Filed:May 16, 1973 Soffen [21] Appl. No.: 360,979

. [57] ABSTRACT v [52] US. Cl 40/64 R A nameplate for a directorycomprising a strip and [51] Int. Cl. G09f 1/00 lank in hich the strip iscomprised of a thin, flexi- [58] Field of Search.'...... 40/ 104.13,104.18, 104.19, ble, re ili n f rmable material having rounded 40/63 R,64 R, 65, 78, 124, 124.2, 124,4 ends forming lobes, and the blank beinga plastic engravable blank being secured to the strip; the name- [56]References Cited plate is flexible to be bent in a slight curvature andis UNITED STATES PATENTS resilient to return to that shape whenflattened; the 1 121809 2/1914 D SW3 410/63 R nameplate is deformedand/or positioned to cause l123215 H1915 i 40,63 R only the strip of thenameplate to fit into and engage 1:263:589 4/1918 Moore "Ni II. iiiiiiijjjij lio iotw folded'over edge POrtiOns of a holder- 1,548,2ll8/1925 Russell 40/63 R 2,524,306 10/1950 Buzzerd 40/104.19 20 DrawmgFgures ll" l ll I: l a; l l I I F I /4 10 l I I 0'" 1111" i- -ADAMS,J.Q.2|65 (9 6 CM ul i M MONROE,J. mse l i 1' l' ||ll 2 TRUMAN,H. 410s X34 IIll l l WlLSOl l,W. 1. 21mm lll l 'l II I |l PATENTED 11974 SHEUZBF 3DIRECTORY NAMEPLATE CONSTRUCTION This invention relates to directorynameplates for directories used in buildings, offices or the like; andparticularly to a directory nameplate construction comprised of both aresilient metal strip and a plastic engraving blank wherein with a fewvariations of directory nameplates, one size can be selected so thatthey can be used in all standard size, or special size nameplate holdersor frames. In particular, each resilient metal strip has lobes at eachend, protruding beyond the plastic blank, to enable the metal strip tobe easily adapted and adjusted for use with various sizes andconfigurations of frames or holders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In multiple dwellings, apartment houses,office and commercial buildings, a directory is used to indicate thename and locations of the occupants.

The principal and most relevant form of directory includes a holdercomprising a sheet and folded-over vertical marginal hem edges, whichextend the length of the holder. The holder is usually oriented so thatthe marginal edge portions are along the vertical sides, giv ing theholder a C-shaped horizontal cross-section. A holder can carry aplurality of nameplates. When first installed, the nameplates areinserted into the holder from its top.

In one alternative embodiment of prior art, the holder has no backplate,but is instead comprised of only two U-shaped brackets facing towardeach other and defining guideways for the edges of the nameplates.

Conventionally a nameplate is of a length such that its ends extend intoboth of the folded-over marginal hem edge portions of the holder. Theopening within the edge portions is a particular thickness. If thethickness of the nameplate is the same as that of the opening in themarginal edge portion, the nameplate can be supported in a positionabove the base of the holder, but it will require manipulation to fitinto place.

To insert, remove or replace a particular nameplate, it is usuallynecessary to remove nearly all, if not all, the nameplates above theparticular nameplate.

A nameplate conventionally has indicia engraved on it, and are usuallyof laminated plastic stock. To be engraved, the nameplate is placed in asupporting jig. The different length nameplates available from variousmanufacturers require different supporting jigs of the engravingapparatus which applies the indicia. It would be preferable to design anameplate wherein a few jig arrangements and/or set-ups can be used forengraving indicia on different size nameplates than can be used in allholders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention,directory nameplates are comprised of flexible resilient metal stripsand plastic blanks. The metal strips have lobes at each end, extendingbeyond the plastic blank, wherein the lobes have rounded ends. The stripis preferably comprised of thin metallic material which is flexible,deformable, resilient, such as spring tempered steel. For any one sizeof indicia carrying blank, one of several metal strip lengths can beused so that the directory nameplate can be assembled to fit a varietyof different directory holders or frames.

The nameplate strip is of lesser thickness than the thickness of theopenings in the marginal edge portions of the holder. The strips wouldnormally freely slide through the holder to its base, except that beforethe strips are placed in the holder. the deformable strips are deformed,curved or bent, such that the strips press against the interior wall ofthe hem edge.

Various indicia are applied to an engravable plastic blank which isattached to the resilient strip. A few standardized length blanks can beused for the few different length strips needed to be used in thenumerous size and type holders sold by different suppliers. This enablesuse of a standardized jig arrangement to apply indicia to nameplates ofvarious lengths. This avoids the requirement for many different styleand size jig arrangements usually required for each size nameplate.

The thickness dimension of the nameplate. comprising the flexibleresilient strip and the indicia-carrying plastic blank, is not critical.The thin, flexible resilient strip will fit in the frame or holder, evenwith a plastic blank laid over it, because the resilient strip can beheld in position in the frame or holder through deformation of eitherthe strip or the'holder, rather than through the nameplate having apreselected total thickness.

In the novel nameplate of this invention, the ends of each of the stripsare rounded and relatively shortened in height with respect to theheight of the rest of the strip, e.g., to about one-half the height ofthe strip. Each strip can be emplaced in a holderby being rotated andthe rounded strip ends permit such rotation. It is thus unnecessary toslide the strips out of the end of the holder. I I

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide animproved nameplate construction for a directory.

It is a further object of the present invention to effectively support anameplate in a nameplate directory.

It is another object of the present invention to ease insertion andremoval of the nameplates from a directory holder.

It is another object of the present invention to reduce the number ofdifferent size engraving or indiciacarrying blanks for directorynameplates.

It is yet another object of the present invention to minimize the numberof different jig arrangements necessary for applying indicia todirectory nameplates.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a nameplateconstruction adaptable for use with various types and styles ofdirectory holders or frame constructions.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of adirectory in accordance with one prior art embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view through the directory ofFIG. 1 in the direction of and along the line of arrow 22 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of another type of directory inaccordance with prior art;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view illustrating yet another embodiment ofdirectory in accordance with the prior art; 7

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of directorynameplate holder in accordance with nameplate can be held; 5 FIG; 6 is afront view of a nameplate in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6a is a front view of the metal strip of FIG. 6 that i is part ofmy invention;

- FIG. 6b is a back view of the strip of FIG. 6a and shows outerorientation guide lines for use in positioning the plastic blank on thefront of the strip, and inner orientation guide lines for centering theengraving indi- -cia on the front of the plastic blank;

FIG. 6c is a front view of the plastic blank of FIG. 6

before the indicia is engraved thereon;

FIG. 6a is a back view of the plastic blank of FIG. 60 and shows theadhesive thereon;

FIG. 6e is a top view of the plastic blank of FIG. 60 showing itslimited thickness;

FIG. 6f shows the top view of the nameplate of FIG.

I 6 and the manner in which it may be bent before insert- FIG. 10 is afront elevation view of a novel directory metal holder to be usedespecially for the novel nameplate of this invention.

FIG. 10a is a horizontal cross-sectional view of FIG.

10 taken in the direction of the arrows 10a 10a, illustrating the newholder and novel nameplate used together; FIG. 10b is ahorizontalcross-sectional view of a holder shown in FIG; 10, but in which theholder was slightly flexed along its entire vertical center before thenovel nameplates are inserted;

FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view through yet another versionof nameplate holder, illustrating the holder and my novel nameplate usedtherewith; and

FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of holder forthe novel directory nameplate of FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, directory 10 iscomprised of a frame or holder 11 and vertical, longitudinal marginaledge hem portions 12 and 14. Edge hem portions 12 and 14 are curved andfolded over so that holder 11 has a C-shaped horizontal cross-section,as seen in FIG. 2. The edge portions each have an interior surfaceincluding a portion that is forward of and opposite frame 11. Theopenings in edge hem portions l2, 14 are on the order of about 1/16thickness. I

Edge hem portions 12, I4 guide nameplates 13 in the frame or holder 11.As can be seen in FIG. 2, nameplate 13 has substantially the samethickness as the thickness from the front to the back of the opening inthe marginal hem edge portions 12, 14 of holder 11. Nameplates 13 can heslid into holder 11 from the top,

- or rotated into position, and can be held in position in the holder 11by the stop member 15 at the bottom thereof. The type of nameplate 13 isnot always easily inserted because their thickness prevents easyentrance into hems 12, l4,of holder 11. It is apparent that any slightvariation in thickness of nameplate 13 or any inadvertent bending orimproper shaping of edge hem' portions l2, 14 will precludeproper-support of the nameplates 13 in the holder 11.

To replace one or more directory nameplates 13, depending upon thelocation of that nameplate 13, it may be necessary to remove some or allof the nameplates above it. This is because. as illustrated in FIG. 2.it is conventional and essential to make each nameplate almost preciselythe thickness of the hem l2, 14, whereby rotating or twisting of thenameplates into position, as suggested in FIG. 9, is precluded ordifficult because the corners of nameplates 13 may block this motion.Nameplates 13 are of such thickness that they may be removed by beingslid out from the top or by being bent. However. if the blank 13 isbent, it may be sufficiently deformed to prevent reuse, since it-doesnot have the benefit of a metal strip 30 to give it body and resilience,and is thicker than the plastic blanks 40 used in my nameplate 20. v

FIG. 3 shows an alternate embodiment of prior art directory 10a. Holder11a is comprised of two channel brackets 12a and 14a, which have aU-shaped horizontal cross-section. The open sides of the Us face towardeach other, thereby defining facing channels for receiving nameplates13. Channels 12a and 14a perform the same function as edge hem portionsl2. 14 in the embodiment of FIG. 1. To properly-space and positionbrackets 12a. 14a, they are permanently mounted at the desired spacingin directory mounting blocks 18. or in a similarly functioning fixedposition mounting such as an extruded aluminum inner frame. Hence,holder 11a is a permanent installation.

Normally. it might be expected that nameplates 13 will settle to thebottom of holder Ila. To hold a nameplate 13 above the bottom of holder11a, a strip of adhesive tape 19, or other supporting and/or securingmeans is used. Such securing means may not be esthetically pleasing andmay be cumbersome to work with.

In another embodiment of the prior art, illustrated in the directory 10bof FIG. 4, the nameplates 13 are adhered to the adhesive strips 12b, 14bon the front surface of a sheet 11b. The support 11b has a widthselected such that it will extend across and a thickness such that itwill fit or slide into the U-shaped channels formed by brackets 12a, 12aof FIG. 3. Changing the information on holder 11b, e.g to maintainproper alphabetical sequence of names, is cumbersomebecause it mayrequire removing the entire holder llb from its mounting and willrequire subsequently removing some adhesively attached nameplates l3,and applying substitute ones. It is apparent that shifting of nameplates13 to make space for a name which belongs between two adjacentlypositioned, names becomes quite difficult and time-consuming, especiallyif a large number of nameplates 13 must be moved.

In still another embodiment of the prior art shown in the directory ofFIG. 5, holder carries forwardly projecting, inwardly directed prongs12c, Me

which are inserted in the open ends of clear plastic en- I velopes, asseen at the top, in which labels 13c are inserted. Holder 11c ispermanently mounted on brackets by way of screws. Changing informationis as cumbersome as in the embodiment of FIG. 4. Also, the nameplates 13are usually spaced apart from each other so that a directory 100 of thistype does not use space economically. With the use of my novelnameplates 40, as seen at the bottom of FIG. 5, the need for plasticenvelopes is eliminated, since one conventional type window, as in FIG.I, 3 and 4 can be used.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The features of FIGS. 1 and 2that are carried over to FIGS. 312 are similarly numbered.

Referring to FIGS. 6, and 6a to 6f. in accordance with the presentinvention, directory nameplate 20 is comprised of flexible strip 30 ofFIGS. 6a, 6b and plastic engraving blank 40 of FIGS. 6c, 6d, 6e. Strip30 is resilient, flexible metal and has a generally elongated,rectangular shape. Preferably, the strip 30 is of spring tempered steel.Strip 30 is 1/64 inch thick, considerably thinner than the 1/16 inchthickness of edge hem portions 12, 14. Strip 30 terminates at both endsin rounded lobes 32, 34 which are rounded for reasons to be describedbelow. Beneath lobes 32, 34 are notches 36 and 38 with rounded lowercorners 37 and 39, the purpose of which notches is described below.

The adhesive 43 is on the back of plastic blank 40 as seen in FIG. 6d.The adhesive-backed plastic engraving blank 40 is secured to the frontsurface (FIG. 6a) of strip 30, as seen'in FIG. 6. I have found itpreferable to have the adhesive applied to the back of the blank 40rather than the front of the strip 30, since the former arrangementpermits the blank to be easily removed and repositioned or replaced, andsuch is very difficult with the latter arrangement. When strip 30 isplaced in a holder 11, the indicia on the front surface 42 of plasticblank 40 faces outwardly and forward of said holder 11. Blank 40 isslightly longer than the distance between the inner edges of notches 36and 38 and provides a protective overlap for the metal edges of thenotches, which prevents rubbing against the hard metal of the notches.The use of attachable engraving blanks 40 is preferred. However, a wholeroll of embossed or imprinted labels can be easily imprinted and latercut out in the appropriate lengths and easily applied to strips 30. Theadditional thickness to the strip 30 resulting from application ofindicia-carrying blank 40 does not interfere with proper operation ofthe invention.

It will be noted that the back surface of the metal strips 30 may haveorientation guide lines marked thereon, as seen in FIG. 6b where theouter lines serve to indicate the mounting limitations for securing theadhesive back surface 43 of plastic blank 40 to the front surface, seenin FIG. 6a, of the strip 30 to thereby form the nameplate 40 of FIG. 6.The inner orientation guide lines on the back of strip 30 of FIG. 6b areused to center the engraving indicia to be applied to the front surface42 of the plastic blank 40.'As seen in FIG. 6e, the thickness of theplastic blank 40 can be, and is intended to be substantially less thanthe thickness of the prior art blanks 13. Hence, with the blank 40secured to the strip 30, the strip 30 will control the resilience andflexibility of the blank 40.

On the other hand, in the prior art of FIG. 2, it is apparent that anaddition of a strip would undesirably increase the thickness ofnameplate 13 and preclude its emplacement in holder ll.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 6-9, strip 30 can be deformed, bent or curvedbefore use. as seen in FIG. 6f. preferably concavely about the frontside which carries indicia blank 40, in order that it stay in positionin holder 11 under the curved marginal edge hem portions 12, 14. The endlobes 32, 34 of concavely curved nameplates 20 in FIG. 8 press againstthe forward surface of the curved interiors of hem portions 12, 14 andthe rear surface of strip 30 presses against the front of holder 11. Theresilience of strip 30 forces it against the surfaces of the holder 11and supports the strip in position. As a result, nameplates 20 can bearranged as in FIG. 7 to provide a separation between neighboringnameplates. as shown at 16. This could be helpful. for example, to leavespaces for additional names, for separating succeeding letters of thealphabet. etc. ln new buildings, the nameplates for the initialoccupants can be kept in a central location in the directory until mostspaces in the directory panel are completed.

The construction of the nameplate 20, with strips 30 and blanks 40,enables them to be readily inserted or removed from the holder 11,without having to remove all of the strips above or below the one whichis being added, replaced or removed. Because lobes32, 34 are curved,nameplate 20 can be positioned in holder 11, as seen in FIG. 9, byplacing it at an angle to occupy no more than three nameplate spaces andthen rotating it around from the top position illustrated in 'FIG. 9,where lobes 32,- 34 can then be moved into edge portions l2, 14. Thecurvature of lobes 32, 34 enables the rotation just described. The shortheight of these lobes additionally assists in the rotation. Were'theends of strip 30 straight and squared off, as with blanks 13 of FIGS. 1and 2, the points at its corners would preclude the twisting of thestrip to enable its insertion. Removal of nameplate 20 from holder 11 isaccomplished simply by pulling. or prying it out. Insertion can also beeasily achieved by flexing and snapping in place, through spring actionof the resilient metal strip 30, without having to make space for morethan one nameplate 20.

A further development of a holder is seen in FIGS. and 10a where theedge hem portions 12e, 142 of metal holder lle are crimped to define aquite narrow opening, on the order of H64 inchfor example. which wouldnot interfere with the insertion of the lobes 3 2, 34 of strips 30 inaccordance with the technique shown in FIG. 9, but will permit thenameplate to be held securely, and which will preclude insertion ofprior art nameplates l3. Holder 1 1e is comprised of resilient,deformable metal material that can be slightly predeformed convexlytoward nameplates 20, as seen in FIG.

10b. The holder lle need only be deformed about 2 on each side from itsoriginal position of the dotted line of FIG. 10b. Thus, the center ofholder lle would press against the center of nameplates 20. The lobes32, 34 contact the interior surfaces of the marginal edge portions l2e,142 respectively, and the center of strip could cooperate with thecenter of holder 11 e to hold the nameplates 20 in place. Thisarrangement provides holding friction between the holder lle and thenameplate just by flexing or curving the nameplate, without bending it.v

It should be noted that an alternate way of obtaining greater frictionfor holding the nameplates 20 in holder lle is by slightly bending thenameplate 20, as seen in in substantially the same manner illustratedand described in. H6. 8.

I It should be noted that two factors control the positioning of thenameplate 20 within the holder lle to provide appropriate directoryalignment. Namely, the

lobes 32,. 34 of the strip 30 extend close to the extreme I edges .ofthe marginal hems 12a, 14e (i.e., with 1/32 tom to hold the nameplate's20 in position. I FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of'a directory 10f,7 similar to the directory '1 la of FIG. '3, for. mounting the inventivenameplates 20. Nameplate may or may not be curved convexly toward theviewing window 48 of holder 11f and end lobes 32, 34of strip arepositioned in the track 12f, l4fof holder 11]". A transparent plastic orglass viewing window 48 is rigidly positioned at the front of holder 1 1f. Normally theprior art na'meplates 13 are mounted in the back track12f, 14).- However, with my novel arrangement. the nameplates 20 arepositioned in the from track '1 2f, 14f which also defines a track forwindow 48. A backdrop 47 may be'in sorted in the backtrack 12f, "14fdirectly behind the nameplates 20.

.COnvexlycurved 'nameplates 20 press against tabs 12f, 14f and at theircenter, pressagainst window 48,

and are thereby held securely in position against ing vertically throughholder 11 f.

'nFlG. .12 shows yet another embodimentof a directory the nameplates 20are magnetically held in place. Also, instead of magnetic strips'l2glor'14g, the holder 11g can be made of magnetic material to there providea magnetic support for nameplates 20.

Applicants novel nameplates 20, for use in'a directory, permit thenameplates to be used with a standardized holder of the prior art, suchas holders 1 1' of FIG.

' l, as seen in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9; holder 11a of FIGJ3;

holder 11b of FIG. 4; holder 11c of FIG. 5 as seen at the bottomthereof; or a modified'new holder 112 as seen in FIG. '10, 100; manyother type of holder such as llfof FIG. 11 and llg'of FIG. 12.

Also, applicants novel nameplate holder lle of I FIGS. 10,104, 101) canbe used in prior art directories by having the edges 12, Me inserted intracks such as 12a, 14a of FIG. 3.

Although the present invention has been described in connection withpreferred embodiments thereof, many closure herein, but only by theappended elaims. The embodiments of the invention in which an'excluvsive privilege or propertyis claimed aredefined as follows:

i I l, A vertical directory, including in combination:

a holder comprised of a rectangular sheet having forwardly folded over,marginal; hem edges along two each defining'an'opening to rece'ive'theend lobe of. I I

a nameplate strip;

plural, elongate rectangular nameplate strips each being thin and havingopposed flat surfaces. each I said strip being comprised of flexibleresilient, yet permanently deformable material; each said strip havingtwo opposite ends, a respective rounded shape lobe projecting fromeachsaid end for'securing each said strip in .said hem edgeopeningsandfor enabling-the insertion and removal of said strip; each said stripbeing of a length, such that itsjsaid .lobes each extend into arespective one said marginal hem edge opening; 1 ,7 each said stripbeing permanently deformed and concavely curved with respect to thefront of the holder around an axis transverse to a linejoining saidstrip ends such that said strip lobes can be flexed to engage said hemedgesof said holder in the respective said openings thereof. and theresilk iency of said strips biases them into fixed position along saidholder vertical sides by their inherent flexible-deformation,

a plurality of blanks of engravable material, each extend into saidholder'marginal hern edge openlugs 3. The directory of claim 1., whereinsaid strip is of-a first height and said lobes are of a shorter height.1 T

4. The directory of claim 3 in which said strip iscom prised of aspringtempered steel,

5.-The directory of claim 1 in which orientation guide lines arepositioned on a back. surface of: said strip to providemountinglimitation for-a blank to'ibe to a front surface of said strip; 1' r v6. The directory of claim 1 in which a notch with a rounded corner isformed below each lobe, V 7. The directory of claim 6, wherein saidblank of ena gravable material has an adhesive surface on the backthereof and said blank is secured by its adhesive surface I to saidstrip. y

8. A vertical directory, including in combination:

a holder comprised of a permanently deformable,

metal, flexible, resilient, rectangular sheet having forwardly foldedover. marginal hem edges along two opposite vertical sides: said foldedover hem edges each defining an opening to receive the end lobe of anameplate strip; I plural, elongate, rectangular nameplate strips, eachbeing thin and having opposed flat surfaces;.each said strip having twoopposite ends, a respective rounded shape lobe projecting from each saidstrip end for securing each said strip in said hem edge openings and forenabling the insertion and-removal of saidstrip; each said strip'beingof 'a length such that its said lobes eachextend into a respective onesaid marginal hem edge opening;

5 I said holder being-permanently deformed convexly oppositevertical'sidesjsaid foldedove'r hem edges with respect to thefront' ofsaid holder around the vertical height of said holder, which moyes saidsecured marginal hem edges close together and twists said said openingsthereof and the resilient deformation marginal hem edges, thereby toprovide greater of said holder biasing said strips into position alongfriction for holding said strip in position: said hem edges. said striplobes engaging said hem edges in respective

1. A vertical directory, including in combination: a holder comprised ofa rectangular sheet having forwardly folded over, marginal, hem edgesalong two opposite vertical sides; said folded over hem edges eachdefining an opening to receive the end lobe of a nameplate strip;plural, elongate rectangular nameplate strips each being thin and havingopposed flat surfaces, each said strip being comprised of flexible,resilient, yet permanently deformable material; each said strip havingtwo opposite ends, a respective rounded shape lobe projecting from eachsaid end for securing each said strip in said hem edge openings and forenabling the insertion and removal of said strip; each said strip beingof a length such that its said lobes each extend into a respective onesaid marginal hem edge opening; each said strip being permanentlydeformed and concavely curved with respect to the front of the holderaround an axis transverse to a line joining said strip ends such thatsaid strip lobes can be flexed to engage said hem edges of said holderin the respective said openings thereof, and the resiliency of saidstrips biases them into fixed position along said holder vertical sidesby their inherent flexible deformation; a plurality of blanks ofengravable material, each being secured to the forwardly facing surfaceof one said strip when in said holder; said blanks being adapted todisplay directory information.
 2. The directory of claim 1, in whichsaid marginal hem edge openings are of a thickness substantially equalto the thickness of said strip lobes and are thereby too thin to receivesaid blank; said blank is of sufficient length to have indicia engravedthereupon and is short enough so as not to extend into said holdermarginal hem edge openings.
 3. The directory of claim 1, wherein saidstrip is of a first height and said lobes are of a shorter height. 4.The directory of claim 3 in which said strip is comprised of a springtempered steel.
 5. The directory of claim 1 in which orientation guidelines are positioned on a back surface of said strip to provide mountinglimitation for a blank to be secured to a front surface of said strip.6. The directory of claim 1 in which a notch with a rounded corner isformed below each lobe.
 7. The directory of claim 6, wherein said blankof engravable material has an adhesive surface on the back thereof andsaid blank is secured by its adhesive surface to said strip.
 8. Avertical directory, including in combination: a holder comprised of apermanently deformable, metal, flexible, resilient, rectangular sheethaving forwardly folded over, marginal hem edges along two oppositevertical sides; said folded over hem edges each defining an opening toreceive the end lobe of a nameplate strip; plural, elongate, rectangularnameplate strips, each being thin and having opposed flat surfaces; eachsaid strip having two opposite ends, a respective rounded shape lobeprojecting from each said strip end for securing each said strip in saidhem edge openings and for enabling the insertion and removal of saidstrip; each said strip being of a length such that its said lobes eachextend into a respective one said marginal hem edge opening; said holderbeing permanently deformed convexly with respect to the front of saidholder around the vertical height of said holder, which moves saidmarginal hem edges close together and twists said marginal hem edges,thereby to provide greater friction for holding said strip in position;said strip lobes engaging said hem edges in respective said openingsthereof and the resilient deformation of said holder biasing said stripsinto position along said hem edges.